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Stellantis Delays Launch of 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Due to U.S. Tariff Pressure
Stellantis has announced the postponement of the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T, a high-performance electric muscle car that was set to be built at its Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario. The delay, attributed to the ongoing impact of U.S. tariff policies, has raised concerns about the future of Canadian auto manufacturing in a politically volatile trade climate.
Despite the delay, Stellantis confirmed that no job losses are expected at the plant, which currently employs around 4,500 workers and also produces the Chrysler Pacifica minivan.
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Union and Industry Leaders Downplay Immediate Job Impact
Lana Payne, national president of Unifor, the union representing Windsor plant workers, said she does not anticipate any immediate effect on staffing levels. She noted that the plant is actively ramping up for the launch of additional Charger models, which will help maintain employment stability in the short term.
However, Payne warned that ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States will continue to undermine economic certainty and could threaten long-term job security. She reaffirmed the union’s commitment to protecting its members’ livelihoods as Stellantis navigates global trade issues.
U.S. Tariffs Force Automakers to Reconsider Production Strategy
The decision by Stellantis comes in the wake of a renewed U.S. tariff regime under the Trump administration, which includes a 25 per cent tariff on non-CUSMA-compliant vehicles built in Canada. While exemptions exist for vehicles with a high percentage of American-made parts, the tariff still introduces a significant cost burden.
The Windsor facility has already experienced intermittent shutdowns and reduced hours in recent months. However, these disruptions were not officially linked to the tariffs, according to the company.
Industry Voices Say Postponement Reflects Strategic Pivot
Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, described Stellantis’s move as a tactical business decision in response to shifting political and market forces. He noted that the company is focusing on higher-end Charger models that are less sensitive to price fluctuations, allowing production at Windsor to continue without sacrificing profitability.
“This is not Stellantis pulling out,” said Volpe. “This is Stellantis adjusting its approach to survive in a politically charged, protectionist U.S. environment.”
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EV Strategy Paused, Internal Combustion Returns to Spotlight
Auto journalist Greg Layson of Automotive News Canada believes the production delay is as much about political optics as it is about market realities. He said Stellantis appears to be placating U.S. trade policy while reinvesting in internal combustion engine models of the Dodge Charger, a move that could involve retooling Windsor’s engine line for larger, traditional engines.
“This should raise concerns, but not alarm,” Layson said, emphasizing that while some shift changes or delays are likely, permanent layoffs are not expected.
Government Remains Optimistic About Jobs and EV Future
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Mélanie Joly said she spoke with Stellantis North America CEO Jeff Hines, who assured her that Canadian jobs will be protected and that the conditions for workers would remain unchanged.
“We agreed to continue our positive discussions around EV investment in Canada,” Joly told reporters, expressing optimism that a balanced solution can be reached despite the tariff-related setback.
What’s Next for Windsor Assembly Plant?
While the 2026 Charger Daytona R/T is now on hold, Stellantis confirmed that it plans to introduce a four-door Charger next year and another new model in the second half of 2026. These developments are expected to sustain production levels at the Windsor plant in the near term.
Production on the postponed model was initially scheduled to begin later this year, but no new timeline has been provided.
